2006-08-22 08:56:51 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Cirric is correct - Challenger was carrying the second in a series of communication satellites. The "TDRS-B" was to have been deployed in orbit that mission; obviously it was lost.
TDRS - Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. If I read this correctly, this is a series of satellites intended to enhance communications by relaying communications with other satellites. A link is below.
There were other activities: I see mention of at least a couple of orbital experiments, including some kind of observation of Halley's Comet, as well as, of course, the "Teacher In Space" activity with Christa McAuliffe. More details in the first link below.
2006-08-22 09:15:22 · answer #1 · answered by wm_omnibus 3 · 16⤊ 4⤋
If I remember correctly, it was as much of a PR mission as anything else, which is why the teacher was onboard. There were going to be live linkings between the Challenger and various schools throughout the U.S.
I'm sure there were other scientific parts of the mission but I don't really remember what they were, since that was 23 years ago and I was living in Europe at the time.
2006-08-22 09:02:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I believe it was to launch the TDRS relay satellite primarily.
2006-08-22 09:03:43 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 11⤊ 2⤋
To boldly go where no man has gone before !
2006-08-22 09:03:08 · answer #4 · answered by Gizmo 4 · 5⤊ 19⤋